If you love pirates, visit the island of St. Thomas. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve loved pirates. Maybe it was their grand adventures; maybe it was the feeling of not being tied down. I still remember watching Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest in theaters as part of a summer rec camp field trip (which I’m watching right now as I write this). I devoured book after book, documentary, and media that was even remotely pirate-related (currently catching up on all of One Piece), studying as much as I could because I was utterly entranced. And if you’re like me, you’re looking for the extraordinary in the ordinary. While pirates still exist, there are still traces of what’s considered the Golden Age of Piracy and the surrounding eras that can only be found if you know where to look.
A good place to start? The Caribbean island of St. Thomas.
The island itself is one of three U.S. Virgin Islands and with a major airport, it isn’t as difficult to get to (compared to other islands like St. John, where you have to fly into St. Thomas first and then take a ferry). Plus, if you’re a U.S. Citizen, there’s no need for a passport.
Here are a few things you can see if you’re searching for pirates on St. Thomas:
It’s unfortunately still closed to the public (as of November 2023) due to hurricane damage but you can walk up the 99 Steps landmark and get close to one of five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands. First erected in 1679 by the Danes, the “castle” was used by soldiers to spot incoming enemy ships. Though not confirmed as having been used by the infamous Pirate Captain Edward Teach, it has become part of the mystery and lore surrounding the tower that it belonged to him.
The Pirates Treasure Museum in the heart of downtown Charlotte Amalie (the island’s capital) is a must-visit for any pirate fan. Adjacent to the skylift to get up to the Paradise Point lookout, this unassuming two-story building has tons of artifacts and pirate goods to look at. The first floor is more general history of the islands and the surrounding seas but the second floor is dedicated entirely to pirates and their history. There are also some great photo opportunities.
Drake’s Seat
Although he wasn’t quite a pirate, the famed explorer and colonizer Sir Francis Drake used this spot as a vantage point to keep an eye on incoming pirate ships. This lookout point is one of the best on the island, providing a panoramic view of the Virgin Islands and the point where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet. There’s even a green bench where you can sit and search for incoming vessels on your own.
Bluebeard Beach (Club and Resort)
I didn’t stay here, so I can’t share an honest review, but if you’re looking for a place to stay while you’re visiting St. Thomas, this is an option. It’s located on the south side of the island (not far from the capital, Charlotte Amalie) by French Bay and Limetree Beach.
So if you’re looking for pirates on St. Thomas, this list is a great place to start.
Looking for other things to do on this beautiful island? Check out my top seven things to do on St. Thomas.
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